Team of the Week: Women's Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals

England were made to work harder than at any point in this tournament, eventually subduing a defiant French side 35–17 in front of a roaring Bristol crowd. Ellie Kildunne’s electric brace and a domiant forward pack display ensured the Red Roses reached a seventh straight Women's World Cup final.

A day earlier, Canada tore up the script, outplaying reigning champions New Zealand 34 -19 with a performance built on power, precision and fearless ambition. Sophie de Goede led with authority, Asia Hogan-Rochester dazzled out wide, and Justine Pelletier’s spark at scrum-half ignited belief. Between the four semi-finalists, the two clashes delivered drama, defiance and world-class individual displays.

Here’s RUCK'S Team of the Week, celebrating the standouts who defined the semi-final stage.

Back from concussion, Ellie Kildunne lit up Ashton Gate with a performance full of swagger and sharp attacking intent. The full-back struck early, darting through for England’s opener in just the fifth minute, before sealing her brace late in the contest with a dazzling solo effort. Her counter-attacking threat constantly unsettled France’s defensive line, while her composure under pressure added an extra layer of assurance to the Red Roses’ backfield. Crowned Player of the Match, Kildunne once again proved herself as England’s game-breaking talisman.

Although France fell short against England, Kelly Arbey ensured her side never drifted quietly from the contest. Her powerful running offered a consistent outlet on the wing, while her 52nd-minute try reignited French hopes at a crucial stage. Arbey’s blend of pace and physicality forced England into uncomfortable defensive situations and highlighted her growing influence in the squad. On a night when Les Bleues needed resilience and ambition, Arbey delivered in both departments, making her one of the standout players in a losing cause.

Megan Jones brought her trademark energy and flair to the semi-final, combining physical carries with clever link play to keep England’s back-line ticking. Jones was a constant threat with ball in hand, breaking the gain line and forcing France into retreat. The centre's influence stretched beyond the mechanics of the game as Jones' swaggering celebrations after scoring in the closing stages summed up England’s confidence. Jones embodies both grit and flair, and her performance underlined why she has become such a central figure in this Red Roses team.

Nassira Konde carried France’s hopes against England with a fearless display from midfield. Konde's sharp lines and instinctive timing brought Les Bleues their most dangerous attacking moments, rewarded with two well-taken tries. Konde’s composure under pressure and relentless energy ensured France stayed competitive far longer than many expected. An honourable mention goes to Alex Tessier of Canada, whose clever footwork and awareness saw her claim a vital score in the Maple Leave's victory over New Zealand. Both centres showed they could rise to the biggest occasions with brilliance and belief.

Asia Hogan-Rochester’s pace was electric throughout Canada’s semi-final triumph. From the opening whistle the wing looked hungry to attack, and her try after just 11 minutes set the tone for her team’s dominance. Time and again she stretched New Zealand’s defence with incisive runs, showing both raw speed and tactical awareness to exploit space. Beyond her finishing, Hogan-Rochester worked tirelessly off the ball, keeping the Black Ferns pinned back. In a match of defining Canadian performances, her contribution on the wing was among the most memorable.

Zoe Harrison was the calming conductor behind England’s semi-final success, dictating tempo with her distribution and keeping France under pressure with astute game management. Harrison's ability to link the pace of England’s outside backs with the power of their forwards made the attack flow with precision. Flawless from the tee, Harrison slotted all five of her conversion attempts, ensuring England maximised their scoring opportunities. It was a polished, authoritative display that underscored her value as the Red Roses’ tactical heartbeat in tight knockout contests.

Justine Pelletier produced a masterclass in semi-final control, setting the tempo from the opening minutes. The halfback's quick thinking and sharp sniping run delivered Canada’s opening try after just five minutes, igniting belief that her side could topple the champions. From there, Pelletier maintained a relentless pace that kept New Zealand under constant strain. Her crisp service, coupled with smart tactical kicking, gave her teammates the platform to shine. Pelletier’s composure and creativity at scrum-half were pivotal in steering Canada into only their second ever World Cup final.

Back in the fold after injury, Hannah Botterman wasted no time reminding everyone of her power and presence. Tasked with stepping up after the form of Kelsey Clifford in recent weeks, Botterman anchored the England scrum with authority. Around the park the Bristol star carried with real venom, consistently denting the French defence and generating momentum. In a high-pressure semi-final, the prop's tireless work rate and physical dominance set the tone up front. This was a return that not only bolstered England’s pack, but reasserted Botterman’s reputation as one of their most reliable enforcers.

Amy Cokayne epitomised England’s forward strength in Bristol, playing a central role in their second-half surge. The hooker executed her set-piece duties with trademark precision and then powered over to score at the back of a rolling maul, in the kind of moment that defines England’s identity. Beyond her try, Cokayne’s leadership in the tight exchanges and her tireless defensive contribution proved invaluable. The Saracen brings an uncompromising edge to this Red Roses side, and once again demonstrated why she is such a cornerstone of their pack.

In a difficult evening for New Zealand, Tanya Kalounivale provided both belief and impact. The tight-head prop drove the Black Ferns forward in the scrum and carried with intent throughout. Her 26th-minute try offered a glimmer of hope, finally breaking Canada’s early dominance and rallying her teammates. While the comeback ultimately fell short, Kalounivale’s industry and determination stood out. Against a relentless Canadian pack, the front rower never shirked the challenge and remained a formidable presence around the pitch, embodying New Zealand’s resilience despite defeat.

Canada’s captain was once again the heartbeat of her side’s historic victory. Sophie de Goede combined a ferocious work rate with moments of genuine brilliance, including a crucial first-half try that widened Canada’s advantage. The lock's leadership was evident in every breakdown and tackle, while her accuracy from the kicking tee kept the scoreboard moving. De Goede has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier forwards, and this performance; commanding, composed, and inspiring, confirmed her status as the linchpin of a Canadian side chasing history.

Abbie Ward’s influence in the semi-final was impossible to miss. The England lock was central to her side’s set-piece dominance, disrupting French line-outs while providing clean ball for her own team. Her tireless defensive shifts frustrated France’s efforts, while in attack she embodied England’s physical edge. Ward was rewarded with a well-earned try on the hour mark, muscling over to restore England’s control. It was a performance that combined grit, determination and leadership, all of which are hallmarks of a player who thrives when the stakes are at their highest.

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u stood tall in defeat, delivering a performance full of intent and defiance. The back rower carried strongly, absorbed tackles, and remained ever-present in defence. Mikaele-Tu'u's second-half try briefly rekindled hopes of a Black Ferns revival, underlining her knack for producing in big moments. Despite New Zealand being overwhelmed, Mikaele-Tu’u continued to impose herself, setting the standard with her relentless energy and commitment. She was a rare beacon of resilience in a tough outing, embodying the fighting spirit of the Black Ferns even as their reign as world champions ended.

Karen Paquin’s influence was felt across every blade of grass. A tireless defender, the back row produced countless tackles and proved a constant menace at the breakdown, disrupting New Zealand’s rhythm. Subbed briefly in the 62nd minute, she returned to finish the contest with the same intensity she had started, refusing to let standards drop. Paquin’s experience and resilience shone through, embodying the defensive steel that underpinned Canada’s historic victory. Paquin was the glue in a back row that outworked and outmuscled the Black Ferns, driving her side into the final.

Fabiola Forteza embodied Canada’s forward dominance, blending explosive ball carrying with deft touches that brought teammates into play. Like Paquin, Forteza was too subbed off briefly, but returned to see the game out. Forteza consistently dented New Zealand’s defensive line, drawing in multiple tacklers and creating space for others. Her work off the ball was equally telling, with strong defensive reads and key contributions at the breakdown. Forteza played with intelligence and purpose, providing the platform for Canada’s backs to flourish in their famous semi-final win.